ST JAMES, Jamaica — The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) on Thursday morning intensified its efforts to rid communities of abandoned vehicles, undertaking a major removal operation in Norwood, St James.

The exercise, which forms part of an islandwide initiative, saw four newly acquired crane trucks deployed to remove derelict vehicles previously identified and tagged by the agency.

Speaking with reporters during the operation, NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon disclosed that more than 50 vehicles had been earmarked for removal in the community.

“In this space alone we have identified more than 50 vehicles that have been tagged and ready for removal in this exercise today,” Gordon said.

“The Government has given us four brand new crane trucks and all of them will be working in the space today,” he added.

Teams from the NSWMA and Western Parks and Markets (WPM) Waste Management Limited began the operation along Bluebell Crescent, navigating overhead utility wires and other obstacles as they worked to clear the roadway.

Gordon explained that removing the abandoned vehicles would not only improve the appearance of the community but also ease traffic congestion and provide better access for emergency responders.

He noted that the vehicles had restricted movement along several roads, creating challenges for residents, motorists, police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel.

“Some of these roads were one-way, but this will clean it up,” Gordon said.